After a few low key days, we began preparations for the arrival of the "USA guests". In the time that they had there, we wanted them to experience the best of Jodhpur, including family, sites, and let's not forget those delicious samosas! As our guest arrived, I felt proud and comforted in the fact that I could be their cultural navigator. I was excited to point out favorite sites or scenes in the city because it made me feel like I had really learned something about life here. My knowledge, of course, was very limited, but I still was eager to share. It was also fun to watch the eyes of newcomers take in the sites, smells, and feelings of Jodhpur. Amidst this all, of course, we were also busily preparing for the big reception on December 24th.
We spent the day doing errands, shopping, and giving them a taste of Jodhpur. We began our shopping excursion at what Abhijeet likes to refer to as the Indian Wal-Mart, a store called National Handloom. The store sells everything you might want in India from saris to toys to handicraft. I had already been there several times so I was mostly enjoying the experience of it. We started in the women's clothing section looking for a sari or lehenga choli for Dorothy and Leah. The visitors got a taste of the savy shopping skills of Abhijeet's mom. It would not be until later that they would get to witness her expert bargaining skills. While waiting for Dorothy to try on shoes in the shoe department, we got silly with the camera. I picked up a few hats for me, Angie, and Abhijeet's mom and we smiled for one of my favorite candid pictures from the trip. Abhijeet's mom, who has a sense of humor that brightens everyone's day, aptly titled the picture "Three Monkeys".
On the way back home, Angie requested that we stop to pick up a diet coke to satisfy her craving. Since they did not sell it at National Handloom (they only had Indian brand Thumbs Up cola or lemon flavored Limca), we decided to stop at the "fancy gas station store". While Angie was inside making her purchase, Abhijeet and I passed the time by snapping a few pictures with the handicraft that were for sale in front of the gas station (I told you it was the fancy gas station store). As soon as Angie came out, the owner came out with his very impressive camera and asked if we would pose for a picture with his wife in front of the store. Abhijeet replied that the first two were free, but after that we would start charging. The owner then proceeded to snap away several pictures of his two lovely blonde models. I fully expect to see a poster advertisement for the fancy gas station with a picture of me and Angie next time I return to Jodhpur.
On December 22 evening, we went to have dinner with another family. The parents, 2 daughters, son, and their respective families were all present. The whole family had been very helpful with all of the wedding preparations, so I felt like I was starting to get to know them. We started with a delicious traditional dinner and then relaxed for conversation. Since by this time there were 2 other Americans with me, the family made great efforts to use their English to keep a group conversation going. I was impressed by what they knew and excited that we were bridging the communication gap. At the end of the evening, they presented Abhijeet's mom and I with a sari. They then presented bangles to both American guests. Even though Angie's wrists seemed too big for the bangles, she wanted to offer her appreciation by trying them on. With the help of Abhijeet's mom massaging her wrists to slide them on, she finally got them to fit and we all had a good laugh and cheer.
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